Audis tested

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

Hi all,

A few recent tests from the magazines:

Top Gear magazine, UK, August- takes on a tough job testing the Mercedes
E55 AMG, Jaguar XJR supercharged and the Audi S8. The S8 is underpowered by
a generous percentage, and takes last (but it was noted that it looked
superb and handled the best in the wet). The Benz wins.

AutoWeek, NL, July 24-, tests the A4q 2.5TDI against the BMW 320d
executive. Much praise for Audi's brilliant V6 direct-injection
turbodiesel, and the A4 takes first place (with the addendum that it
would've even without AWD).

AutoWeek, NL, July 17- tests the A3 1.8T against the Volvo V40 2.0T (a
local product, which stems from the alliance of the Dutch government, Volvo
AB and Mitsubishi, and which is about the size of an A4 Avant). Why the A3
and not the A4? Well, a turbo version is way too expensive to pit against
the Volvo, and it is reasoned that a sporting driver would look at cars for
their driving qualities alone, not for their room. Also, the Audi is a
little more upmarket than the Volvo.
The A3 wins for its brilliant turbo engine, superb chassis, useability and
its classy looks. It is criticised for its skimpy equipment and its weird
options packages.

Auto Zeitung, D, August- tests the BMW Z3 coupe against the TT coupe. There
is no clear winner declared, and both get their share of criticism
(although I seem to read a slight victory for the TT in the article...)

Tom

 _______________________________________________________________________
 Tom Nas                                          Zeist, The Netherlands
 tnas@euronet.nl
 1987 Audi 90q 2.3E, Tizianrot metallic, 165,000km

       The number of people watching you is directly proportional
                    to the stupidity of your action.